A high-risk cancer genetics program at Erlanger is helping improve cancer treatment and screenings for patients in our community.

Actress Olivia Munn says a breast cancer risk assessment helped save her life. She announced last year that she had been diagnosed with Luminal B Cancer, which is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer.

A similar program is available at Erlanger.

McKenzie Smartt, Erlanger, NP-C says, Our cancer genetics program we can do genetic testing to test your DNA to see if you have any hereditary conditions that were passed down from your family that could possibly increase your risk for cancer.

Smartt says patients can also enroll in their high-risk program.

McKenzie Smartt says, Where if you do not have anything genetic you can still have an increased risk for cancer based off family history. So, we can manage the increased risk as well.

Smartt says everyones risk is different. While this program is for everyone, it is geared toward women.

McKenzie Smartt says Specifically, women over the age of 25. The guidelines now suggest women over 25 should have a risk assessment.

A lot of that has to do with the fact that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Smartt says they also are concerned about other cancers like colon cancer and prostate cancer.

McKenzie Smartt says We want to be proactive in the community and be able to identify those who are at risk, catch cancer early so we can begin treatment as quickly as possible.

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EYE ON HEALTH: High risk and genetic testing being offered at local hospital - Local 3 News

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